. >> all of a sudden she just like i don't know what nap of the finger she changed. >> reporter: his granddaughter tried to evict him and sell the property. >> author was at risk of homelessness. he was also impoverished because this land and house is the only thing of any value he owns in the world. >> reporter: green's lawyer says financial exploitation of seniors is all too common and often goes unreported. consumer reports investigation finds theft and fraud by loved ones is on the rise. >> caregivers, family members, neighbors, they can use all kinds of tactics to raid assets. >> reporter: they can be as obvious as forging signatures on checks, begging for loans that never paid back or accusing power of attorney. >> when you give power of attorney to somebody it can give them unfettered access to your accounts. somebody who misuses those can do real damage. that's a problem for elderly. >> reporter: to help prevent elder abuse have bank and investment statements sent to a person you truce -- you trust to monitor accounts average for direct deposit and automatic bill pay, consult